Presence

Leah Guy, author of The Fearless Path

“There is divine purpose behind everything – and therefore a divine presence in everything.” — Neale Donald Walsch

Rich was a nice-looking man in his late 40s with a worn face, and a scent of smoke and yesterday’s drink. He had been homeless for several years and the street was worn on to his skin. As we sat on the stoop and talked, his mind was sharp and his heart open, eager to tell his story. Rich was an artist and had multiple works displayed in museums around the country. He said when possible he would hitchhike to see his creations to remind himself of who he was. I asked Rich how he ended up on the street. It seemed odd that such a gifted man would be so down and out. Rich said he made some mistakes in life — mistakes that cost him his marriage and later his relationship with his daughter. The pain of losing his family was unbearable. When he lost hope of rekindling the relationships, he lost hope in himself. He turned to alcohol. Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months as he fell deeper into the abyss, losing focus on his work, on his purpose, and on his Soul. Eventually, he was homeless.

As we talked, through tears in our eyes, he realized that love was still alive in his heart. He had much more to offer the world. He wanted to change and live his life with love and freedom. His vulnerability touched my heart. I gave him a big hug and he returned the same.

Several months later I saw Rich on the side of the road walking near one of my favorite grocery stores. He looked nice and clean with a spark in his step. I stopped the car to talk. Rich beamed with pride as he told me about his new job as an in-store artist at the grocery. He had stopped drinking, reached out to his daughter, and rented an apartment. It took bravery to open his heart and trust himself again, but his determination paid off. There was life in his eyes and a hope and happiness that replaced the emptiness and despair of previous months. Rich had truly resurrected himself from the trenches. He has been my inspiration ever since.

Rich’s story is a story of redemption, of the phoenix rising, of being born anew from the ashes of self-combustion. It’s this kind of possibility and strength that we all desire. Perhaps that’s why you’re reading this piece. You know deep inside that you can rise from your ashes. No matter what your afflictions or mistakes, you seek to resuscitate your heart and find harmony with your Soul. You want more from life than constant suffering. You’re searching for the “how” so that you, too, can awaken to self-love and peace.

Most of us have fallen to our knees with heart-strangling emotional pain at some point or another. More common is the day-to-day suffering from anxiety, grief, fear, depression, or low self-worth. The number of people taking drugs to treat psychological or behavioral disorders is staggering. Almost half of the U.S. population suffers from debilitating anxiety or depression. It costs millions in healthcare and lost wages, personal happiness, and, in too many cases, it costs life itself. There is a better way.

To experience healing and happiness is to stay connected to your Soul, your heart, and your experiences. By doing this, you become stronger and whole, not living in weakness and fear. Rich made his decision to reconnect to his heart while living on the streets. You can make it from your office or bedroom if you decide that you want to connect to love, to Self, and to life again.

It is your Soul’s calling to be alive, to grow, and to feel. There’s an innate desire within to stop the torture of self-imposed suffering, or to rise from the ashes when the world has beaten you down. With an intense and poignant purpose, you came into this world with a soaring spirit. That’s your true nature. Anything less is learned by the human mind of limited beliefs.

Leah Guy is an intuitive transpersonal healer, spiritual teacher, professional speaker, and media personality. She offers wisdom from a lifetime of personal triumphs and more than 22 years helping clients transform their lives from fear and disconnection to heart-centered, soulful living. Also known as The Modern Sage, she owns the Modern Sage Healing Center and product line, and A Girl Named Guy Productions, LLC. Leah lives in Jersey City, New Jersey. For more information, visit her online at ModernSage.com or across social media channels.